GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS

1. GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS

2. Why the interest in computers? • Office workers spend one-third of the workday on the computer. • Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are associated with computer tasks and workstations. • Good business sense to improve the environment for morale and efficiency.

3. Looking beyond the computer • Look at the whole workstation, not just the computer or chair. • Create a positive work environment that includes working with an adjustable workstation and places the worker into a neutral position utilizing good posture.

4. Posture and neutral position gets the first look

5. Look at the seating The seating should have the following features: • Adjustable seat (height and tilt) • Adjustable backrest (height, angle, and depth) • Adjustable arms (height, width, and angle) • Comfortable lumbar support • Waterfall front edge • Swivel • Five legs for stability • Casters designed for the floor surface (soft, hard, locking, etc.) • Fabric that breathes

6. Additional comments on seating • Different sizes and styles • Fitting the individual worker, not one size fits all • Weight load testing on the chair (250-275 lb. range) • Fitting the task/work including the fabric selection

7. Working surfaces • Standard desks from the fifties • Straight, sharp edges on the wrists and forearms • Non-adjustable heights • Rounded edges • Non-glare producing surfaces

8. Lighting • Slightly dimmer than general office lighting by 30 to 50% • Task lighting • Overhead lighting and avoiding shadowing • Window effects (blinds, curtains, glass treatments)

9. Glare • Can be produced by shiny paint surfaces, mirrors, glass, metals, and overhead lighting in the work area • Position work away from windows and direct lights

10. Temperature and air quality • 68 to 72 degrees • Avoid air blowing directly on employees • Employee-built vent-deflecting systems • Plants and chemicals

11. Noise • Noise from equipment, radios-CDs, co-workers, and other work areas • Relocate printers and copiers • Partition use

12. “Traffic” • Interruption to work • Coffeepots and copiers at the central area of work • Open work areas encourage “flocking” at individual work areas • Employee lounges

13. Cord Management • Cords can be a trip hazard and an electrical nightmare • Cords should be secured and away from the feet, walk spaces, drawers, and sharp edges. • Good idea to color code or label cords for easy identification • Shut down electrical equipment at the end of theworkday.

14. Files • Organize work at the desk • File cabinets organized to have frequent work at waist-chest level • Infrequent, heavy file loads in the bottom levels • Lighter loads in the top drawers • No storage on the top

15. Work habits • Organize equipment to fit the work process and needs • Keep frequently used items close at hand • Schedule short tasks such as filing between in-depth computing tasks • Take breaks & move about • Do desk exercises

16. Desk exercises • Blink!!! and exercise eye muscles frequently to avoid eye strain • Head rolls side to side and front to back • Shoulder shrugs • Arms over the head stretching side to side • Arms over the head stretching backwards • Stretching legs outward off the floor • Ankle rolls • Seated knee raises

17. Odds and ends • Carpet cuts down on noise, but can contribute to trip and allergy hazards. • Enclosed darkened work areas away from windows can be bad. • Store sharp items such as pens, scissors, and tacks when not in use. Always carry scissors pointing downwards. • Keep trashcans, briefcases, backpacks, and boxes out of walk spaces.

18. More odds and ends • Plants and personal items can be good. • Office camaraderie is good. • Management support is great.